How to Lay a Ceramic Tile Cove Base

Tile cove molding finishes the wall to floor transition.

A ceramic tile cove base is a tile that looks like a baseboard with a deeply arched or curved bottom edge. You can use a cove tile as a transition from wall to floor, wall to tub edge and from the bottom of a kitchen backsplash to the counter. Not all tile varieties come with a cove base tile available. Tiles that are widely sold will often have more companion pieces available.

1

Measure the height of your cove tile. Add the thickness of your grout line. Measure above the floor, tub or counter surface and mark at your measurement. Snap a horizontal chalk line to use as a guide for the top of your cove tiles.

2

Apply latex tile mastic to the wall using a notched trowel. Apply a coat of adhesive to the back of the tile if your adhesive manufacturer recommends this step. Press the tile to the wall. Twist the tile slightly for best adhesive grip. The top of the cove tile should align with the horizontal chalk line. Avoid over-applying mastic so that it runs between the bottom of the tile and the floor; scrape it out with a craft stick if necessary.

3

Place a level along the top of the tiles to check that the tile is flat and straight. Continue tiling. When you reach a corner or obstacle, cut the tile using a wet saw. Measure the distance from the last tile to the obstacle and mark the back of the tile. Place the tile face side down on the wet saw. Align the blade with the mark and move the tile tray under and past the saw blade. Try to position your cuts for corners or in areas that are not highly visible.

4

Allow the mastic to dry for 24 hours. Mix grout by scoop the powder into a tub. Pour a small amount of water into the powder and stir. Continue adding water and stirring until the grout is moist but not runny. Allow the grout to rest for five minutes. This allows the water to absorb more fully.

5

Apply the grout over the grout lines using a grout float. Do not allow grout to flow between the bottom of the cove and the floor. Clean off your tiles within 15 minutes with a grout sponge and clean water. Allow the grout to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

6

Fill the gap between the bottom of the cove tiles and the floor, tub or counter with a mildew-resistant bathroom caulk. Unlike grout, caulk will not crack in cases of slight movement of the floor, counter or tub.

Things You Will Need

Tape measure

Chalk reel

Latex tile mastic

Notched trowel

Craft stick

Spirit level

Wet saw

Grout

Grout float

Grout sponge

Tip

Lay out your tiles first to position your cuts in the best locations.

If a single course of the tile is being placed over an existing tile floor, it should be spaced above the floor 1/8 inch. In a new installation of wall and floor tile, the cove tiles would be tiled first to keep the floor clean. You will need to use a loose floor tile and a spacer under the cove tile so that it starts at the correct height.

About the Author

My interests vary from continuous home improvement projects (I'm addicted) to assisting my son in designing theater costumes. I also travel to readings and for fun, ride a bicycle, garden, enjoy live performances in both theater and music, attend art openings, try out new restaurants, read books, do a lot of research, play with my animals and everything in between. I try to live a full but lower stressed life. I keep up with friends and family and most of all, I write. I am currently working on a play based in Chinese myth which is scheduled to be presented next year. I'm also working on upper degrees which puts me back at Berkeley.